Sr. Buyer

Relyans MAX; Lapeer (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Relyans MAX in Lapeer, Michigan, is seeking a Senior Buyer responsible for sourcing commodities and driving purchasing decisions. This role is critical for ensuring an uninterrupted supply, monitoring supplier performance, and managing procurement agreements.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management and at least five years of purchasing experience in the automotive industry. Strong negotiation skills and problem-solving capabilities are essential. Relyans MAX is an Equal Opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of purchasing experience in the automotive industry.
• Experience with high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of supplier performance management.

Responsibilities

• Source assigned commodities ensuring uninterrupted supply.
• Negotiate agreements to optimize value for the company.
• Monitor supplier performance and market trends.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical capabilities

Communication skills

Supply chain principles

Education

Bachelor's in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

The Relyans Max Group is a leading supplier in the field of high-strength fasteners for mobility and beyond. We are technologically the world's leading manufacturer of high-strength fasteners and a leading partner for complex, cold-formed parts. In the automotive sector, our recipe for success is: finding solutions today for the challenges of tomorrow.

Senior Buyer

Grade: 11

Reports to: Purchasing Manager

Department: Purchasing

Classification: Salaried Exempt

Division: Purchasing

Date: 06/24/2026 Approved: COO

Job Summary

The Senior Buyer is responsible for sourcing assigned commodities and services to ensure an uninterrupted supply supporting continuous operations. This role drives best-in-class purchasing decisions for production and non-production materials, capital investments, and services. The Senior Buyer identifies and evaluates suppliers, negotiates commercial agreements, and secures optimal value for the Company through cost, quality, delivery performance, and risk management.

The position actively monitors supplier performance and market trends, develops pricing forecasts to support budgeting, and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen supply continuity and reduce total cost of ownership.

Essential Functions

• Serve as the primary liaison between Purchasing and internal stakeholders, including Manufacturing, Operations [Supply Chain (OSP)], Sales, Quality, Engineering, and Finance/Controlling, as well as external suppliers.
• Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships that deliver optimal pricing, high-quality standards, and reliable on-time delivery performance.
• Lead commercial negotiations and execute supplier agreements, ensuring favorable terms and conditions aligned with company objectives.
• Consolidate sourcing opportunities to leverage purchasing volume and secure competitive procurement agreements.
• Ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance purchasing efficiency and effectiveness.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives through value analysis, supplier collaboration, and market benchmarking.
• Rationalize and optimize the supplier base to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and increase strategic alignment.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers as needed, including negotiating pricing structures, volume incentives, and long-term agreements.
• Provide accurate technical documentation, specifications, and drawings to suppliers to ensure clarity of requirements.
• Monitor market conditions and forecast pricing trends to support the annual budgeting process.
• Ensure supplier contracts and purchase orders comply with Quality Management System requirements, including IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 standards and applicable customer requirements.
• Support resolution of supplier-related quality or delivery issues that impact production, customer satisfaction, or operational performance.
• Contribute to supplier performance management activities, including scorecards, KPI tracking, and escalation processes.
• Prepare and present monthly purchasing KPI reports.

Additional Duties

• Demonstrate a strong internal customer service mindset while balancing cost and operational requirements.
• Support cross-functional initiatives and continuous improvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Materials Management, Logistics, Finance, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of five (5) years of purchasing experience in the automotive industry within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Proven negotiation skills with the ability to achieve favorable commercial outcomes.
• Strong understanding of supply chain principles, sourcing strategies, and supplier performance management.
• Experience interpreting technical specifications, drawings, and commercial requirements.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive results.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to conducting business in accordance with ethical standards and company policies.

Environmental Exposures

• Noise – heavy machinery – if in plant.
• Noise – vibratory bowls and air feed systems – if in plant.
• Added responsibility as outlined in the Environmental Management System.

Environmental Commitment & Responsibilities

• Demonstrate active commitment to the company’s ISO 14001 EMS.
• Ensure departmental processes comply with environmental policies, legal requirements, and customer expectations.
• Ensure supplier processes comply with environmental policies, legal requirements, and customer expectations when applicable.
• Identify and reduce environmental risks, waste streams, and resource consumption within area of responsibility.
• Support environmental objectives and targets, including waste reduction, recycling, energy efficiency, and pollution prevention.
• Promote employee awareness and accountability for environmentally responsible behaviors.
• Participate in internal and external EMS audits and support corrective action activities.
• Support spill prevention, containment, and response practices.

Relyans Max is an Equal Opportunity employer of qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Relyans Max